Officials are probing how a 51-year-old highway bridge came to collapse in the Italian port city of Genoa yesterday, killing at least 26 people and injuring 16 others as it sent dozens of vehicles tumbling into a heap of concrete and twisted steel.

Bishop endorses global development goals

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has endorsed new global development goals that aim to reduce poverty and improve lives over the next 15 years.

The United Nations development agenda sets priorities for trillions of dollars in spending until 2030, with 17 goals and 169 targets.

"Australia is committed to promoting sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, and working with others to build a true global partnership to deliver the 2030 Agenda," Ms Bishop said after joining leaders at the United Nations in New York.